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Three methods of surface ablation are in use: photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), LASEK, and Epi-LASIK. These methods differ in the way the epithelial layer is handled. In LASEK surgery, the patient's original epithelial sheet is repositioned onto the stromal bed after laser ablation.

In LASEK, the epithelium is chemically loosened using dilute alcohol on the corneal surface. The loosened epithelium is then reflected away from the cornea, and laser ablation performed.